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Nia Simpson
China Faces Uphill Battle Against Saudi Arabia in World Cup Qualifier
China’s national football team struggles with injuries and low motivation, preparing for a World Cup qualifier against a strong Saudi Arabia squad. Analysts predict a likely defeat for China due to their poor historical record and current FIFA rankings. The match is critical as China seeks World Cup qualification amidst tough upcoming fixtures.
Recent predictions indicate that China may struggle against Saudi Arabia in the upcoming World Cup qualifier, with concerns that they might not score at all. Saudi Arabia’s squad, valued at approximately USD 33 million, features players, such as AS Roma’s defender Saud Abdulhamid, whose European experience strengthens the team. In particular, left midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari stands out, having made significant contributions in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League.
China’s national team, in contrast, is less robust, currently missing their top striker, Wu Lei, due to injury. Coach Branko Ivankovic has incorporated naturalized Brazilian midfielder Serginho in an attempt to bolster the squad. Historically, China has faced challenges against Saudi Arabia, recently losing a match at Dalian Stadium, and there is little optimism for an improved outcome in the upcoming game.
Analysts and sports sites project a clear advantage for Saudi Arabia, with U.K. site SportsMole predicting a 2-0 win, while Singapore’s KhelNow forecasts a narrow 1-2 loss for China. China currently holds a FIFA ranking of 90th, significantly behind Saudi Arabia, which stands at 59th, with Elo ratings presenting a similar disparity.
China enters the match following a slight momentum shift, marked by a recent 1-0 victory against Bahrain, their second win out of 16 games played away. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has had its share of difficulties in recent qualifiers, recording two draws and two losses, including a 0-2 defeat against Indonesia.
As the qualifying rounds progress, China faces a critical juncture with four matches remaining, including future contests against Australia, Indonesia, and Bahrain, as they strive for 2026 World Cup qualification..
In summary, China is facing significant challenges in their forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, compounded by player absences and historical performance. Analysts predict a likely victory for the Saudi team based on their superior squad strength and recent match outcomes. With critical matches ahead, China needs to leverage their recent form to enhance their qualification prospects for the World Cup.
Original Source: e.vnexpress.net
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